The Milwaukee Westside Harlequins have had a banner year, on field and off. Our family is growing and we would like you all to join us in welcoming Reagan Mabel Opper, daughter of Chelsea and Colin.

 She was born on  June 27th, Lakefront 7's day at 3:53am.  Reagan weighed in  at 7 lbs. and 10oz. Mom and baby are doing well, and Colin welcomes the excuse for missing Lakefront 7's. (Just kidding, Colin, we missed your cherry picking in the social 7's).

 Held every year during Summerfest, the Lakefront 7s tournament highlights the seven-a-side variation of rugby that is currently being considered for inclusion in the 2016 Summer Olympics. Rugby is often compared to American football, but the seven-a-side variation is truly unique with tournament matches consisting of about 20 minutes. This fast-paced style of rugby is exhilarating to watch as it has all the physicality of football but the and continuos play and quick, exciting scoring that is more akin to basketball.

 The Milwaukee Harlequins Rugby Football Club would like to thank everyone who contributed to the fundraising efforts (see below) in support of our National, Division II USA Rugby campaign. Without the support of generous benefactors, the Harlequins would not have been able to take our brand of Rugby on the road.

 The Harlequins finished in 6th place nationally, and in the Fall season will now compete in Division I for the first time in the history of the Club. Currently, the Milwaukee Harlequins are the only Division I club in Wisconsin. 

 In addition to financial contributors, and of course the dedication of all our playing members, numerous people in the club worked together to make this trip happen. They include:

• Joe Kloiber - Club President and trip benefactor
• Mike Loader - Coach
• Ray Meuer - Coach
• Pat Sharp - Coach, benefactor and trip organizer
• Mike Hoffenburg - Social Chairman, organized trip fundraiser at Bootleggers
• Joe Cunningham - Team Manager, benefactor and trip organizer
• Victor Drover - Web administrator, benefactor, online publicity and primary organizer for online fundraising

 It’s not uncommon to see former Manistique High School athletes move on to play football or basketball after graduation. But how many spend their post-high school careers playing … rugby?

 The answer is at least two, now that former Emerald football players Craig Mattson and Tim Swanson are excelling on the field for the Milwaukee West Side Harlequins – a club that recently advanced all the way to the top eight among the country’s Division II teams.